PRAISE FOR SISTERS OF THE SPRUCE:
"[A] novel of perspicacious observation ... Contrasting family loyalties with a girl's propulsive yearning for independence, Sisters of the Spruce is a captivating historical novel." Foreword Reviews
“One of the most original and gripping novels I’ve read in a long time ... Leslie Shimotakahara has created an unforgettable heroine.” Janie Chang, Globe and Mail–bestselling author of The Porcelain Moon and The Library of Legends
"Shimotakahara's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this evocative tale of adventure, survival, and the enduring bonds of kinship." Cha: An Asian Literary Journal
"Shimotakahara offers evocative descriptions of the landscape ... [S]he brings the buried ruins of the era to life." Literary Review of Canada
PRAISE FOR RED OBLIVION:
"A heartbreaking story in which the past haunts the present and bleeds into the future ... [D]eftly articulates the many ways human beings can justify wrongdoing if it leads to a good outcome, describing the inconceivable with nuance while conveying both shock and banality. Shimotakahara shows virtuosity in this subtle deconstruction of one family's tainted origins." Kirkus Reviews
“Haunting and true to life, Red Oblivion will captivate readers … A strong narrative voice draws us into a world of secrets, sacrifices, and betrayals, transporting readers from Canada to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China — only to find that the complex truths that bind friendships and families are often universal.” Ann Y.K. Choi, author of All Things Under the Moon and Kay's Lucky Coin Variety
"Fans of literary fiction will enjoy this compelling story." Library Journal
PRAISE FOR AFTER THE BLOOM:
"Shimotakahara's writing is personal and entrancing, unflinchingly shining a light on this difficult part of history." Booklist (starred review)
“A compelling tale of hearts and minds caught in the tumult of history, memory and love, across generations. A sweeping page-turner.” Kerri Sakamoto, author of Floating City and Governor General’s Award finalist, The Electrical Field
"A deep and beautiful story … Poetically told and laced with Japanese folklore, the novel takes cues from a more mythical narrative, parables abounding in its fiction but always with a point … Shimotakahara joins a rank of garlanded Canadian authors." National Post
“A masterful and deeply moving tale of mothers and daughters, of hidden histories and repressed memories, of loss and of love, After the Bloom is a potent reminder of the legacy of the internment and the power of reclaiming the past.” Lynne Kutsukake, author of The Art of Vanishing and The Translation of Love
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